Animal training method, apparatus, and system for achieving heeling behavior

ABSTRACT

An animal training system used to train an animal includes a movement controlling device and a wearable device. The movement controlling device includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment is coupled to a first connecting member. The second segment is coupled to a second connecting member. The wearable device includes a first attachment point and a second attachment point. The first attachment point is located at a midline position of the wearable device. The first segment is configured to detachably couple to the first attachment point via the first connecting member. The second segment is configured to detachably couple to the second attachment point via the second connecting member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application and claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/108,821, filed on Aug. 22, 2018,which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No.62/552,442, filed Aug. 31, 2017, the contents of both of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to an animal training method,apparatus, and system for heeling, and more particularly to an animaltraining method, apparatus, and system for training a dog to achieveheeling behavior within a heeling zone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be understood more fully from the detaileddescription given below and from the accompanying drawings of variousimplementations of the disclosure. The drawings, however, should not betaken to limit the disclosure to the specific implementations, but areprovided for explanation and understanding only.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an animal training system, accordingto an implementation of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of an animal training system, accordingto an implementation of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an animal training system worn by auser and connected to an animal, according to an implementation of thedisclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective back view of an animal training systemworn by a user and connected to an animal, according to animplementation of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective top view of an animal training systemworn by a user and connected to an animal, according to animplementation of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a convertible movement controlling device that mayconvert to a leash line, according to another implementation of thedisclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a convertible movement controlling device that mayconvert to a leash line, according to another implementation of thedisclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a convertible movement controlling device that mayconvert to a traffic lead, according to another implementation of thedisclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a convertible movement controlling device thatincludes a handle, according to another implementation of thedisclosure;

FIG. 10 illustrates a movement controlling device affixed to a wearabledevice, according to another implementation of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a detailed front view of an exemplary wearabledevice of an animal training system, according to another implementationof the disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates a detailed back view of an exemplary wearable deviceof an animal training system, according to another implementation of thedisclosure;

FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary wearable device ofan animal training system, according to another implementation of thedisclosure;

FIG. 14A illustrates a front view of an overlay woven through slots onan exemplary wearable device of an animal training system, according toanother implementation of the disclosure;

FIG. 14B illustrates a back view of an overlay woven through slots on anexemplary wearable device of an animal training system, according toanother implementation of the disclosure;

FIG. 14C illustrates a detailed front view of stitching on an overlay,according to another implementation of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 illustrates a front isometric view of an animal training system,according to another implementation of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of a movement controlling device whendetached from a wearable device of an animal training system, accordingto another implementation of the disclosure;

FIG. 17 illustrates various views of an exemplary connecting member thatis a double d-ring snap hook, according to an implementation of thedisclosure;

FIG. 18 illustrates a front isometric view of an animal training systemwith a movement controlling device having an adjustable length segment,according to an implementation of the disclosure;

FIG. 19 illustrates a portion of a movement controlling device, havingan adjustable length segment, when detached from an animal trainingsystem, according to another implementation of the disclosure; and

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method of utilizing an animal trainingsystem to control movement of an animal, according to an implementationof the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects of the above referenced methods and systems aredescribed in detail herein below by way of examples, rather than by wayof limitation.

The terms handler, user, and trainer may be used interchangeably todescribe a user of an animal training system that controls an animal.

Typically, pet owners use a leash in combination with a collar orharness to walk their pets. Leashes, collars and harnesses may assist intethering the animal to a handler but may not control the movement ofthe animal in close proximity to the user and do not promote training ofan animal for achieving heeling behavior without specific methods of useas known to the professional dog training industry. That is, existingproducts (such as leashes, collar and/or harnesses) do not control thefront, lateral and rotational movement of dogs within a controlled areacalled a “heeling zone.”

Traditional waist or walking belts may be used in conjunction with aleash, collar and/or harness to provide a “hands-free” method ofattachment between the pet and user. However, such combined mechanismsalso do not promote animal training for achieving heeling behavior orcontrolling the animal to walk, run, or move in close proximity to theuser.

Heeling is a behavior learned by a dog to maintain a specific physicallocation in relationship to a handler. Heeling may utilize bothproximity (nearness) and control (unified, parallel movement) by thehandler while he/she is in motion (e.g., forward, backward andlaterally).

Heeling is not an inherent skill for the dog. Rather, it is a complexbehavior that may be difficult to acquire. The behavior may be dependenton the development of “muscle memory” for the heeling zone.

Traditionally, pet owners use a combined leash, collar and/or harnessand waist belt to walk a dog hands-free. These options provide severallimitations to the user in terms of proximity, control and location thatinterfere with the dog's learning process and may compromise its abilityto build muscle memory for the heeling zone.

In terms of the limitation of proximity, errors may be common. Leashesmay function to keep a dog within a boundary defined by its maximumlength. Without advanced knowledge in dog training techniques, anordinary handler may mistakenly allow a dog to routinely reach the endof the leash length, thereby eroding the concept of “nearness” for thedog.

In terms of the limitation of control, skill and knowledge is oftenrequired. Leashes, collars and harnesses alone do not offer influenceover a dog's behavior. The use of these tools to teach the heeling zone,may be predicated by the handler's skill level and knowledge in dogtraining techniques on the ways in which leashes, collars and harnessesmay be used to achieve heeling behavior. An ordinary handler maygenerally lack such skill and knowledge and thus default to (and hire) aprofessional dog trainer for assistance.

Furthermore, location is often incorrect and may pose a limitation.Although a leash, collar or harness can provide leverage against theforward movement of a dog, it does not specifically limit the dog'scombined forward, lateral, and rotational movement in a way as tomaintain the heeling zone without specific manipulation from thehandler.

An added problem is the physical complexity by the ordinary handler toexecute a multitude of actions by using his/her hands, while moving witha dog, in order to maintain restraint (as may be required by leashlaws), control the dog in the heeling zone, deliver positivereinforcement, and deliver punishment as necessary. Congruent handactions may include: holding a leash in-hand to maintain restraint;gathering up leash to create correct control and proximity; holding anddelivering a food reward and/or operate a clicker for positivereinforcement; holding and operating an electronic-collar (e-collar)remote as a method of punishment if used; and moving the leash as tocreate collar pressure as a method of punishment if used.

Layering of congruent hand-based actions by the ordinary handler mayfrequently result in cognitive overload of the handler, diluting his/herability to execute simultaneous actions with the proper timing andconsistency, which may be needed to maximize the dog's learning process.

Thus, what is needed is an animal training system which achieves one ormore of the following improvements. An animal training system whichrestricts movement by the dog to build muscle memory for the heelingzone by limiting combined forward, lateral and rotational movements. Ananimal training system which provides hip-driven, hands-free operationto increase working cognitive load of the average, non-professionalhandler so as to improve timing and consistency of rewards andcorrections, thereby maximizing the efficiency of a dog's learningprocess for the desired behavior. An animal training system, whichincludes an apparatus worn by handler, so as to prepare the dog forachievement of heeling behavior without association to a specificdevice. Such an apparatus may also prevent the dog from becomingfrustrated because the apparatus does not restrict the dog's head ormouth movement, or gaiting. An animal training system that utilizes ateaching system which is designed specifically to help improve theowner's handling skills in addition to aiding the dog's achievement ofheeling behavior.

As a user attempting to walk an untrained animal without heelingbehavior may find it difficult to control the animal using a traditionalleash, collar and/or harness, what is needed is a system, apparatus, andmethod that not only enables a user to walk a dog in a controlled waybut also assists in helping train the dog to achieve heeling behaviorwhile restricting the movement of the dog within the heeling zone.

The present disclosure describes an animal training system which mayinclude a movement controlling device and a wearable device. Themovement controlling device includes segments that are connected toattachment points on the wearable device. The segments are connected toattachment points in a manner that control the combined forward, lateraland rotational movements of the animal to a heeling zone and allows auser to walk the animal within the heeling zone without the need to usehis/her hands.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an animal training system 100. Theanimal training system may be used to achieve heeling behavior and forpurposes of training the animal to walk, run, move, etc., in acontrolled manner.

Animal training system 100 includes a wearable device 102 and a movementcontrolling device 118. In the depicted implementation, wearable device102 is a hip belt, and the terms wearable device 102, belt 102, and hipbelt 102 may be used interchangeably herein. In other implementations, awearable device may be a waist belt, a vest, a jacket, body harness, abelt connected to a calf harness, etc.

In an implementation, belt 102 may be a wearable device that isconstructed of a durable, all-weather material, leather, PVC, nylon orother materials. Belt 102 may be worn by a user and encircle the useralong the hipline.

Belt 102 may include a surface area 104. In an implementation, surfacearea 104 may be padded to provide comfort to the user wearing belt 102.In an implementation, belt 102 may be of any width and/or length. In oneimplementation, belt 102 may be between one to six inches in width, anda length of belt 102 may extend across the left and right hips and afront hipline of the user wearing belt 102. In another implementation,the belt may be two inches in width. Surface area 104 includes multipleattachment points.

In the center front of belt 102, a midline attachment point 110 islocated approximately at a midline position of belt 102; an outer lefthip attachment point 106 is located at a left side of belt 102. A righthip attachment point 108 is located at a right side of belt 102. In thedepicted implementation, three attachment points (106, 108, and 110) areshown. However, in other implementations, fewer or more attachmentpoints than depicted may be included.

In an implementation, one or more of the attachment points (106, 108,and/or 110) may be permanently fixed or attached (i.e., sewn/stitched,glued, riveted, etc.) to belt 102. In another implementation, one ormore of the attachment points may be removably attached to belt 102. Forexample, belt 102 may include loop(s) and the attachment point(s) mayremovably attach to the loop(s).

In an implementation, the attachment points may be constructed of adurable material with a break-strength to withstand the pulling forcesof an animal. The attachment points may be constructed out of rubber,metal, fiberglass, leather, or other synthetic or natural materials.

Referring again to midline attachment point 110, in an implementation, abreakaway connection may be included. One end of midline attachmentpoint 110 may be permanently sewn or otherwise affixed to belt 102 whilethe other end may include a breakaway connection. The breakawayconnection may allow midline attachment point 110 to break away frombelt 102 upon excursion of a force. The breakaway connection may includea magnet, a hook and loop mechanism, etc., which allows release andreattachment of midline attachment point 110. The breakaway connectionmay allow a user to safely and quickly disconnect an attached segment(such as front segment 136, described below) in case of an emergency.

In an implementation, rear right segment 120, rear left segment 124,rear center segment 128, and front segment 136 of movement controllingdevice 118 may be manufactured using a single piece of material andcontinuously connected (e.g., by being sewn together). In anotherimplementation, any one or more of rear right segment 120, rear leftsegment 124, rear center segment 128, and front segment 136 may bemanufactured using multiple pieces of material (that may benon-continuous) and may be connected together.

In another implementation, midline attachment point 110 may bepermanently affixed to belt 102, similar to hip attachment points 106and 108.

The front of belt 102 may include, in between attachment points, durablematerial stitched in place as to create slot holders 112 for theaddition of modular compartments. Slot holders 112 may allow for modularcompartments such as food bags, animal clickers, mobile phone cases,etc. The modular compartments may detachably couple to the slot holdersvia clips, rings, buckles, a hook and loop mechanism, etc. In otherimplementations not depicted, belt 102 may additionally include fixedstorage compartments such as pockets which may be sewn onto surface area104. Slot holders 112 and/or fixed storage compartments may be a partof, stitched onto (such as via an overlay), or otherwise affixed to belt102.

Movement controlling device 118, as depicted, includes four segments: arear right segment 120, a rear left segment 124, a rear center segment128, and a front segment 136. In other implementations, movementcontrolling device may include more or less segments. In oneimplementation, movement controlling device 118 may include threesegments: a rear right segment, a rear left segment, and a single centersegment (i.e., where the single center segment would be constructed of acontinuous piece of material, e.g., a continuous piece of material thatwould form a single center segment that would be a combination of rearcenter segment 128 and front segment 136 depicted in FIG. 1).

Rear right segment 120 includes a connecting member 122 which mayconnect to right hip attachment point 108 of belt 102. In animplementation, rear right segment 120 may be any length and the lengthmay be adjustable. In another implementation, rear right segment 120 maybe of some length that may allow rear right segment 120 to descend froma user's right hip, behind the user along his/her buttocks, until itjoins with rear left segment 124.

Rear left segment 124 may be of equal or different length than that ofrear right segment 120. In the depicted implementation, lengths of rearleft segment 124 and rear right segment 120 are substantially similar.Rear left segment 124, via a connecting member 126, may join to left hipattachment point 106 of hip belt 102 at one end. Rear left segment 124,may descend from the left hip of a user, behind the user along thebuttocks, until it joins with rear right segment 120.

Rear center segment 128 may join to rear right segment 120 and rear leftsegment 124, via a joining member 130. Rear center segment 128 maydescend in a downward direction (as depicted) and toward an animal alongthe backside of a user's legs. Rear center segment 128 may be of acertain length. Rear center segment 128 may include a connecting member132 at one end. Connecting member 132 may join rear center segment 128to an animal collar 134. Animal collar 134 may include buckle, prong,choke, etc. to which connecting member 132 attaches. Animal collar 134may be a neck collar, head collar, body harness, or other collar thatmay attach to an animal.

Front segment 136 may be permanently affixed or removably attached torear center segment 128. Front segment 136 and rear center segment 128connect movement controlling device 118 to animal collar 134, viaconnecting member 132. Front segment 136 ascends upward (as depicted)and a connecting member 138 may connect with midline attachment point110. As described above, in one implementation, a continuous piece ofmaterial may form a single center segment which is a combination of rearcenter segment 128 and front segment 136 depicted in FIG. 1. In such animplementation, front segment 136 may be adjustable in length (i.e.,adjustable by several inches). In addition, a connecting member attachedto the single center segment may not be affixed but instead may bemoveable via a slide adjuster. The slide adjuster may allow theconnecting member to move anywhere along a length of the front part ofthe single center segment (i.e., along the length of front segment 136).Thus, the combination of the adjustable length of front segment 136along with the repositioning of connecting member 132 along any portionof front segment 136 may be used to accommodate varying animal heightsand/or user heights. The slide adjuster may be constructed of anymaterial such as metal, plastic, or other durable material. Additionaldetails regarding a single center segment are described herein withrespect to FIGS. 18 and 19.

In an implementation, connecting members 122, 126, 132, and/or 138 maybe a male or female buckle, snap hook, quick link, eye bolt, swivelhook, bolt snap, d-ring, carabiner clip, etc. In an implementation,joining member 130 may be a d-ring, o-ring, eye swivel, etc. Attachmentpoints 106, 108, and/or 110 may be any shape or size. In animplementation (not depicted), attachment points 106, 108, and/or 110may be a male or female buckle that may permanently or removably attachto connecting members 122, 138, and/or 126.

Rear right segment 120, rear left segment 124, rear center segment 128,and front segment 136 may vary in length. In an implementation, rearright segment 120, rear left segment 124, rear center segment 128,and/or front segment 136 may be of any length as to allow maintenance ofan animal in a heeling zone. In an implementation, rear right segment120 and rear left segment 124 may be the same or substantially similarin length. For example, the lengths of each of rear right segment 120and rear left segment 124 may be between 14-16 inches in length. In oneexample, the combined length of rear center segment 128, and frontsegment 136 may be between 40-46 inches in length. In an implementation,the lengths of each of rear right segment 120, rear left segment 124,rear center segment 128, and front segment 136 may allow control orrestriction of an animal connected thereto via animal collar 134 withina heeling zone. A heeling zone is further described herein with respectto FIG. 5.

In an implementation, rear right segment 120, rear left segment 124,rear center segment 128, and front segment 136 may be sewn togethercontinuously. In another implementation, rear right segment 120, rearleft segment 124, rear center segment 128, and front segment 136 may bejoined via connecting members (e.g., d-ring, o-ring, quick link, etc.)of durable material to withstand pulling forces of an animal. In animplementation, rear right segment 120, rear left segment 124, rearcenter segment 128, and front segment 136 may be constructed of anymaterial, including leash material (e.g., leather, nylon, cording,reflective material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) webbing, etc.).

FIG. 2 illustrates a back view of an animal training system 100. Animaltraining system 100 depicted in FIG. 2 includes many of the samefeatures as those depicted in FIG. 1. Therefore, the features describedabove with respect to FIG. 1 apply to animal training system 100depicted in FIG. 2.

The back view of belt 102 includes a set of straps 114 for adjustingbelt 102 to an appropriate hipline diameter of a user wearing belt 102.Belt 102 also includes a secure closure 116 which may fall on or nearthe midline of the spine of the user. Secure closure 116 may be a buckleclasp, dual pinch side release buckle, etc. or other closure with maleand female ends.

In an optional implementation, a handle 140 may be affixed to a rearright segment 120. In other implementations, one or more handles may beaffixed to any of rear right segment 120, rear left segment 124, rearcenter segment 128, and/or front segment 136.

In the depicted implementation, rear center segment 128 includes shockabsorption material or mechanism 142 which may be provided at some pointalong rear center segment 128. In other implementations, a shockabsorption material or mechanism may be included in any part of or theentirety of rear right segment 120, rear left segment 124, rear centersegment 128, and front segment 136.

Animal training system 100 in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be worn by a user andconnected to an animal to control the animal's movement. FIGS. 3-6illustrate animal training system 100 in use. As described above, animaltraining system 100 includes movement controlling device 118 andwearable device 102. Movement controlling device 118 includes frontsegment 136 (a first segment) and rear right segment 120 (a secondsegment). Front segment 136 is coupled to connecting member 138 (a firstconnecting member). Rear right segment 120 is coupled to connectingmember 122 (a second connecting member).

Wearable device 102 includes midline attachment point 110 (a firstattachment point) and right hip attachment point 108 (a secondattachment point). Midline attachment point 110 is located approximatelyat a midline position of wearable device 102. Front segment 136 isconfigured to detachably couple to midline attachment point 110 viaconnecting member 138. Rear right segment 120 is configured todetachably couple to right hip attachment point 108 via connectingmember 122. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, rear right segment 120 may belocated at an opposing hip position of wearable device 102 in relationto an animal.

In an implementation, movement controlling device 118 further includesrear left segment 124 (a third segment) and rear center segment 128 (afourth segment). Rear left segment 124, located at the proximal hipposition of the wearable device in relation to an animal, includesconnecting member 126 (a third connecting member). Rear right segment120 and rear left segment 124 are connected to rear center segment 128via joining member 130. Animal collar 134 is connectable to animaltraining system 100.

In an implementation, wearable device 102 includes rear left segment 124that is configured to detachably couple to left hip attachment point 106(a third attachment point) via connecting member 126.

In an implementation, right hip attachment point 108 is located on aright side of wearable device 102 (which may be worn at a user's hip),and left hip attachment point 106 is located on a left side of wearabledevice 102. Right hip attachment point 108 is located on an opposingside of left hip attachment point 106.

In an implementation, one or more of the connecting members 138, 132,122, or 126 include one or more of the following: a male or femalebuckle, snap hook, quick link, eye bolt, swivel hook, bolt snap, orcarabiner clip.

In an implementation, wearable device 102 is a hip belt, a waist belt, avest, a jacket, or other device capable of being worn on a user.

In an implementation, midline attachment point 110 includes a breakawayattachment point.

Movement controlling device 118 includes front segment 136, rear rightsegment 120, rear left segment 124, and rear center segment 128. Frontsegment 136 is configured to couple to midline attachment point 110located at wearable device 102 via connecting member 138. Midlineattachment point 110 is located approximately at a midline position ofwearable device 102. Rear right segment 120 is configured to couple toright hip attachment point 108 located at wearable device 102 viaconnecting member 122. Rear left segment 124 is configured to couple toattachment point 106 located at wearable device 102 via connectingmember 126. Rear center segment 128 is configured to couple movementcontrolling device 118 to an animal.

In an implementation, rear center segment 128 is configured to couplemovement controlling device 118 to an animal via one or more of a neckcollar, a head collar, a harness, or an attachment point on a devicethat is capable of being worn by the animal.

In an implementation, movement controlling device 118 further includeshandle 140 affixed to one of rear right segment 120, rear left segment124, rear center segment 128, or front segment 136.

One or more of rear right segment 120, rear left segment 124, rearcenter segment 128, or front segment 136 may include a shock absorptionmechanism.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an animal training system 100 worn bya user 304 and connected to an animal 306. As depicted, user 304 is ableto walk animal 306 (e.g., a dog) without use of her hands. The dogwalks/stands/runs adjacent to user 304 and movement of the dog isrestricted/controlled via animal training system 100.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective back view of an animal training system100 worn by a user 304 and connected to an animal 306. As depicted, user304 is able to walk animal 306 (e.g., a dog) without use of her handswhile the movement of the dog is controlled within a heeling zone(defined below in FIG. 5, reference no. 502) via animal training system100.

Although FIG. 5 described herein below references animal training system100, in other implementations, any animal training system described bythis disclosure (e.g., including animal training system 1500 and/oranimal training system 1800) may be used to describe an animal trainingsystem in FIG. 5 in lieu of or in any combination with each other and/orwith animal training system 100.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective top view of an animal training system100 worn by a user 304 and connected to an animal 306. Animal trainingsystem restricts or confines movement of an attached animal within asthe area called a heeling zone 502. Heeling zone 502 is depicted as anarea within dotted lines in FIG. 5. Heeling zone 502 is an area wherethe proximal shoulder of an animal coupled to the movement controllingdevice maintains position within a user's arm's length to the front,side, back and rotational position of the user when wearing the animaltraining system. When user 304 walks animal 306, the head, neck, orother part of animal 306 that is connected to movement controllingdevice 118 is constrained to heeling zone 502. Heeling zone 502 is anoptimal area to walk the animal and train the animal to follow the leadof the user.

In one example, heeling zone 502 may be any shape and any size. In animplementation, heeling zone 502 may be a circle (having a radius 18-24inches) where the user's hip or knee being at a center of the circle. Ananimal's head or proximal shoulder should not extend past the 18-24-inchradius of the heeling zone 502 in front, to the side or behind theuser's hip/knee.

Traditional leashes may be four to six feet in length. Therefore,traditional leashes allow a tethered animal to move beyond a heelingzone. The animal thus may have unrestricted freedom of movement to theboundary that the leash provides. Freedom of movement may opposeinstructional teachings of a heel, as heel requires restriction to aspecific physical location with nearness to the user's hip.

Traditional leashes have not provided a mechanism for replacinghand-held collar corrections with some other means of delivery,resulting in the elimination of properly timed corrections when theanimal goes out of the heel position. The animal receives correctionwhen it reaches the end of a traditional leash (e.g., a leash measuringfour to six feet). The boundary of a traditional leash is well outsidethe heeling zone and thus, a traditional leash may not assist intraining an animal to heel.

Traditional anti-pull devices may discourage forward movement but aredesigned to be used with traditional leash restraint, thereby teachingthe animal not to pull past the user to the extent that the leash lengthprovides. This may not help achieve heeling behavior. Traditionalanti-pull devices also may not address the combination of restrictingforward, lateral and rotational movement required for a dog to gain themuscle memory for the heeling zone. Traditional anti-pull devices alsomay not provide learning benefit to a user in relation to teaching aheel to an animal.

Restricting an animal to a heeling zone provides many advantages. Oneadvantage includes the minimization or elimination of the animal pullingon the movement restriction device. Pulling may not only be nuisance tothe user (such as an animal handler) but may cause injury. Pulling mayalso be one reason why dog owners stop walking their dog.

Another advantage of restricting an animal to a heeling zone is that itpromotes attentiveness. For example, an animal such as a dog may befocused on the user rather than the environment, which may help toreduce or eliminate leash reactivity/aggression.

Another advantage of restricting an animal to a heeling zone is that itallows users to safely navigate congested areas, which may be a veryimportant skill for urban dog owners as well as service and police dogs.

Another advantage of restricting an animal to a heeling zone is that itallows dog owners to safely exercise or workout (e.g., run, jog, walk,etc.) with their dogs. Walking or running while an animal is restrictedto a heeling zone by using the animal training system allows a user'sdog to remain at his/her side and keep pace.

In other implementations, the animal training system may vary and themovement controlling device may convert from one format to another.FIGS. 6-10 described herein illustrate a movement controlling deviceportion of the animal training system that may convert from amulti-plane, non-linear format to a single-plane, linear format. Thefollowing describes how the movement controlling device may be used as atraditional leash or traffic lead when detached from the hip belt.

FIG. 6 illustrates a convertible movement controlling device 600 thatmay convert to a leash line. Convertible movement controlling device600, as depicted, includes four segments: a rear right segment 620, arear left segment 624, a rear center segment 628, and a front segment636.

Rear right segment 620 includes a connecting member 622 which mayconnect to an attachment point of a wearable device such as a belt (notdepicted in FIG. 6).

Rear left segment 624, via a connecting member 626, may join to anattachment point of a wearable device (e.g., a belt). Rear left segment624, may descend from the left hip of a user, behind the user along thebuttocks, until it joins with rear right segment 620.

Rear center segment 628 may join to rear right segment 620 and rear leftsegment 624, via a connecting member 630. Rear center segment 628 maydescend in a downward direction (as depicted) and toward an animal alongthe backside of a user's legs (when convertible movement controllingdevice 600 is connected to a belt, etc.). Rear center segment 628 mayinclude a connecting member 632 at one end. Connecting member 632 mayjoin rear center segment 628 to an animal collar.

Rear center segment 628 may include a shock absorber mechanism 642. Inone implementation as depicted in the box providing a detailed view ofshock absorber mechanism 642, shock absorber mechanism 642 may include abungee loop with an attached clip (1) and two connecting points: aresting connection point (2) for when shock absorption may not berequired and a cinched connection point (3) located above the restingconnection for when shock absorption may be required.

Front segment 636 may align on top of rear center segment 628 and mayjoin together via material (e.g., a magnet, a hook and loop mechanism,etc.) as to allow release and reattachment. Further, rear right segment620, rear left segment 624, and rear center segment 628 may jointogether via two connecting members (e.g., d-ring, o-ring, eye swivel,etc.) as to allow rear left segment 624 to rotate on top of rear centersegment 628 and join together via material (e.g., a magnet, a hook andloop mechanism, etc.) as to allow release and reattachment.

Front segment 636 includes a connecting member 638 that may connect to awearable device such as a belt.

Rear right segment 620 may remain in an upright position, and includesan optional handle 640 at one end. Handle 640 provides a handgrip to auser. A converted movement controlling device 652 is shown in FIG. 6.Converted movement controlling device 652 is depicted as a traditionallinear leash line that may be used to walk an animal independent of awearable device (i.e., a belt, etc.). Thus, convertible movementcontrolling device 600 is configured to convert from a single plane,linear device to a multi-plane, non-linear device and convert from themulti-plane non-linear device to the single plane, linear device.

FIG. 7 illustrates a convertible movement controlling device 700 thatmay convert to a leash line. Convertible movement controlling device700, as depicted, includes four segments: a rear right segment 720, arear left segment 724, a rear center segment 728, and a front segment736.

Rear right segment 720 includes a connecting member 722 which mayconnect to an attachment point of a wearable device such as a belt (notdepicted in FIG. 7).

Rear left segment 724, via a connecting member 726, may join to anattachment point of a wearable device (e.g., a belt). Rear left segment724, may descend from the left hip of a user, behind the user along thebuttocks, until it joins with rear right segment 720.

In the depicted implementation, rear center segment 728 may join rearright segment 720 and rear left segment 724. These segments may bejoined together by a permanent connection (e.g., the segments may besewn together) or via a connecting member (not depicted). Rear centersegment 728 may descend in a downward direction (as depicted) and towardan animal along the backside of a user's legs (when convertible movementcontrolling device 700 is connected to a belt, etc.). Rear centersegment 728 may include a connecting member 732 at one end. Connectingmember 732 may join rear center segment 728 to an animal collar.

Front segment 736 may align on top of rear center segment 728 and mayjoin together via material (e.g., a magnet, a hook and loop mechanism,etc.) as to allow release and reattachment. Further, rear right segment720, and rear left segment 724 may join together via connecting members(e.g., male to female buckles, hooks, bolts, quick link, etc.).

Front segment 736 includes a connecting member 738 that may connect to awearable device such as a belt.

When combined, rear right segment 720 and rear left segment 724 form ahandle (as shown in a converted movement controlling device 752 is shownin FIG. 7). Converted movement controlling device 752 may provide ahandgrip to a user. Converted movement controlling device 752 isdepicted as a traditional linear leash line that may be used to walk ananimal independent of a wearable device (i.e., a belt, etc.).

FIG. 8 illustrates a convertible movement controlling device 800 thatmay convert to a traffic lead. Convertible movement controlling device800, as depicted, includes four segments: a rear right segment 820, arear left segment 824, a rear center segment 828, and a front segment836. Convertible movement controlling device 800 also includes a handle748 located on an upper portion of convertible movement controllingdevice 800.

Rear right segment 820 includes a connecting member 822 which mayconnect to an attachment point of a wearable device such as belt (notdepicted in FIG. 8).

Rear left segment 824, via a connecting member 826, may join to anattachment point of a wearable device (e.g., a belt). Rear left segment824, may descend from the left hip of a user, behind the user along thebuttocks, until it joins with handle 848 (which is also connected withrear right segment 820).

A length of handle 848 may be of any length. In an implementation, thelength measuring from the top of handle 848 to connecting member 832 maybe of any length. In an implementation, the length measuring from thetop of handle 848 to connecting member 832 may be similar to that of astandard traffic lead (e.g., 12-18 inches).

For conversion from the convertible movement controlling device to atraffic lead, first, front segment 836 may align on top of rear centersegment 828 and join together via (e.g., a magnet, a hook and loopmechanism, etc.) as to allow release and reattachment.

Front segment 836 includes a connecting member 838 that may connect to awearable device such as a belt.

Further, rear right segment 820, and rear left segment 824 which arejoined to handle 848 of rear center segment 828, via floating connectingmembers 850 (e.g., rings, links, etc.) slide down to the base of thehandle and align on top of rear center segment 828 where they jointogether via material (e.g., a magnet, a hook and loop mechanism, etc.)as to allow release and reattachment (as shown in a converted movementcontrolling device 852 is shown in FIG. 8). Converted movementcontrolling device 852 is depicted as a traditional linear traffic leadthat may be used to walk an animal independent of a wearable device(i.e., a belt, etc.).

FIG. 9 illustrates a convertible movement controlling device 900 thatincludes a handle 940. Convertible movement controlling device 900, asdepicted, includes a rear center segment 928, and a front segment 936.Rear right segments (120, 620, 720, and 820) and rear left segment (124,624, 724, and 824) depicted in the implementations of FIGS. 1, and 6-8,are modified to be joined into a continuous circular segment having adiameter. The continuous circular segment is referred to as a rearcombined segment 954.

Rear combined segment 954 includes a floating connecting member 922 anda floating connecting member 926 which may each connect to an attachmentpoint of a wearable device such as belt (not depicted in FIG. 9). Rearcombined segment 954 also includes a handle 940. Floating connectingmember 922, floating connecting member 926, and handle 940 may connectto rear combined segment 954 at some point along its circumference.

For a conversion from the convertible movement controlling device 900 toa traditional linear leash line, front segment 936 may align on top ofrear center segment 928 and join together via material (e.g., a magnet,a hook and loop mechanism, etc.) as to allow release and reattachment.Convertible movement controlling device 900 then converts a traditionallinear leash line which may be used to walk an animal independent of awearable device (i.e., a belt, etc.).

Front segment 936 includes a connecting member 938 that may connect to awearable device such as a belt.

FIG. 10 illustrates a movement controlling device affixed to a wearabledevice 1000. Movement controlling device 1056 may be permanentlyattached to belt 1002 at a point that may be aligned with the spine of auser wearing hip belt 1002. Adjusting straps 1014 and closure 1016 maybe placed to the front side of belt 1002. A midline attachment point1010 may either be manufactured to be located on the closure or belocated just left (or right, if desired) of closure 1016 at front.

Belt 1002 may include a surface area 1004. In an implementation, surfacearea 1004 may be padded to provide comfort to the user wearing belt1002. In an implementation, belt 1002 may be of any width and/or length.In one implementation, belt 1002 may be between one to six inches inwidth and a length of belt 1002 may extend across the left and righthips and a front hipline of the user wearing belt 1002. In anotherimplementation, the belt may be two inches in width. Surface area 1004includes multiple attachment points.

In the center front of belt 1002, midline attachment point 1010 islocated approximately at a midline position of belt 1002. A left hipattachment point 1006 is located at a left side of belt 1002. A righthip attachment point 1008 is located at a right side of belt 1002. Inthe depicted implementation, three attachment points (1006, 1008, and1010) are shown. However, in other implementations, fewer or greaterattachment points than depicted may be included.

Movement controlling device 1056, as depicted, includes three segments:a rear combined segment 1054, a rear center segment 1028, and a frontsegment 1036. Box 1080 depicts details regarding how rear combinedsegment 1054 may join to attachment point 1008, via connecting member1022. Rear combined segment 1054 may join to attachment point 1006, viaconnecting member 1026, in a similar manner.

Rear right segments (120, 620, 720, and 820) and rear left segment (124,624, 724, and 824) depicted in the implementations of FIGS. 1 and 6-8are modified to be joined into a continuous circular segment having adiameter. The continuous circular segment is referred to as rearcombined segment 1054.

A connecting member 1022 may connect to right hip attachment point 1008of belt 1002. A connecting member 1026, may join to left hip attachmentpoint 1006 of hip belt 102 at one end.

Rear center segment 1028 may join to rear combined segment 1054, via aconnecting member 1030. Rear center segment 1028 may descend in adownward direction (as depicted) and toward an animal along the backsideof a user's legs. Rear center segment 1028 may be of a certain length.Rear center segment 1028 may include a connecting member 1032 at oneend. Connecting member 1032 may join rear center segment 1028 to ananimal collar (not depicted). The animal collar may include buckle,prong, choke, etc. to which connecting member 1032 attaches. The animalcollar may be a neck collar, head collar, body harness, or other collarthat may attach to an animal.

Front segment 1036 may be permanently affixed or removably attached torear center segment 1028. Front segment 1036 and rear center segment1028 connect movement controlling device 1056 to an animal collar, viaconnecting member 1032. Front segment 1036 ascends upward (as depicted)and a connecting member 1038 may connect with midline attachment point1010.

In the depicted implementation, rear center segment 1028 and rearcombined segment 1054 each include a shock absorption material ormechanism 1042 which may be provided at some point along each respectivesegment. In other implementations, a shock absorption material ormechanism may be included in any part of or the entirety of rearcombined segment 1054, rear center segment 1028, and front segment 1036.

FIG. 11 illustrates a detailed front view of an exemplary wearabledevice 1102 of an animal training system 1500 (as depicted in FIG. 15and described herein below). In the depicted implementation, wearabledevice 1102 is a hip belt, and the terms wearable device 1102, belt1102, and hip belt 1102 may be used interchangeably herein. In otherimplementations, a wearable device may be a waist belt, a vest, ajacket, body harness, a belt connected to a calf harness, etc.

In an implementation, belt 1102 may be a wearable device that isconstructed of a durable, all-weather material, leather, PVC, nylon orother materials. Belt 1102 may be worn by a user and encircle the useralong the hipline.

Belt 1102 may include a surface area 1104. In an implementation, surfacearea 1104 may be padded to provide comfort to the user wearing belt1102. In an implementation, belt 1102 may be of any width and/or length.In one implementation, belt 1102 may be between one to six inches inwidth and a length of belt 1102 may extend across the left and righthips and a front hipline of the user wearing belt 1102. In anotherimplementation, the belt may be two inches in width.

Surface area 1104 includes multiple attachment points. In the depictedimplementation, the following five attachment points are shown: amidline attachment point 1110, which is located at approximately amidline position of belt 1102; an outer-left hip attachment point 1107,which is located at an outer left side of belt 1102; an inner-left hipattachment point 1106, which is located at an inner left side of belt1102; an outer-right hip attachment point 1109, which is located at anouter right side of belt 1102; and an inner-right hip attachment point1108, which is located at an inner right side of belt 1102. Althoughfive attachments (1106, 1107, 1108, 1109, and 1110) are shown, in otherimplementations, fewer or more attachment points than depicted may beincluded.

In an implementation, one or more of the attachment points (1106, 1107,1108, 1109, and 1110) may be permanently fixed or attached (i.e.,sewn/stitched, glued, riveted, etc.) to belt 1102. In anotherimplementation, one or more of the attachment points may be removablyattached to belt 1102. For example, belt 1102 may include loop(s) andthe attachment point(s) may removably attach to the loop(s).

In an implementation, the attachment points may be constructed of adurable material with a break-strength to withstand the pulling forcesof an animal. The attachment points may be constructed out of rubber,metal, fiberglass, leather, or other synthetic or natural materials.

Referring again to midline attachment point 1110, in an implementation,a breakaway connection may be included. One end of midline attachmentpoint 1110 may be permanently sewn or otherwise affixed to belt 1102while the other end may include a breakaway connection. The breakawayconnection may allow midline attachment point 1110 to break away frombelt 1102 upon excursion of a force. The breakaway connection mayinclude a magnet, a hook and loop mechanism, etc., which allows releaseand reattachment of midline attachment point 1110. The breakawayconnection may allow a user to safely and quickly disconnect an attachedsegment (such as front segment 1136, described below in FIG. 15) in caseof an emergency.

Belt 1102 may include an overlay 1112 which may be constructed of adurable material. Overlay 1112 may be ¾ of an inch in one implementationor a different width in other implementations. Overlay 1112 may bestitched in place and secured via rivets 1113 to allow connectingmembers to securely fasten onto attachment points. In one implementationoverlay 1112 may be one continuous piece of material. In anotherimplementation, overlay 1112 may be constructed of multiple segments. Asdepicted, overlay 1112 may be stitched onto (or otherwise affixed to)surface area 1104 of belt 1102. A gap 1115 in between rivets andstitching may be used as a pocket to house or attach accessories (e.g.,food bags, animal clickers, mobile phone cases, toys, animal treats,etc.). In another implementation, other patterns of stitching may beused.

FIG. 12 illustrates a detailed back view of an exemplary wearable device1102 of animal training system 1500 (as depicted in FIG. 15 anddescribed herein below).

The back view of belt 1102 includes a set of straps 1114 for adjustingbelt 1102 to an appropriate hipline diameter of a user wearing belt1102. Belt 1102 also includes a secure closure 1116 which may fall on ornear the midline of the spine of the user. Secure closure 1116 may be abuckle clasp, dual pinch side release buckle, etc. or other closure withmale and female ends.

FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view 1300 of an exemplary wearabledevice 1102 of an animal training system 1500 (as depicted in FIG. 15and described herein below). A user may place belt 1102 on his/her waistand use secure closure 1116 to snap on or otherwise secure belt 1102thereto. The user may adjust belt 1102 using straps 1114. Midlineattachment point 1110 may be placed approximately mid-waist on the frontside of the user's waist and secure closure 1116 may be placedapproximately mid-waist on the backside (i.e., rear) of the user'swaist.

FIG. 14A illustrates a front view of an overlay 1112 woven through slotson an exemplary wearable device (e.g., 1102) of an animal trainingsystem. Specifically, a material is woven through inner-left hipattachment point 1106 and outer-left hip attachment point 1107 of hipbelt 1102. In the depicted implementation, overlay 1112 is described inFIGS. 11-13, and 14A-14C. In other implementations (not depicted),another overlay or multiple overlays may be used.

FIG. 14B illustrates a back view of overlay 1112 woven through slots onan exemplary wearable device (e.g., 1102) of an animal training system.Although a particular woven pattern is depicted, in otherimplementations, any woven pattern may be used.

FIG. 14C illustrates a detailed front view of stitching on overlay 1112.Overlay 1112, as depicted, contains stitching that is non-consecutive(i.e., contains a gap) which may allow for attachment of variousaccessory items (e.g., treat bag, keys, clicker, etc.). In otherimplementations, the stitching may contain multiple gaps, or otherpatterns of stitching may be used.

FIG. 15 illustrates a front isometric view of animal training system1500. Animal training system 1500 includes wearable device 1102(described in detail above with respect to FIGS. 11 and 12) and amovement controlling device 1118. Movement controlling device 1118, asdepicted, includes four segments: a rear right segment 1120, a rear leftsegment 1124, a rear center segment 1128, and a front segment 1136.

As depicted, rear right segment 1120 includes a connecting member 1122which may connect to inner-right hip attachment point 1108 of belt 1102.In another implementation (not depicted) connecting member 1122 mayconnect to outer-right hip attachment point 1109 of belt 1102. The usermay choose an appropriate attachment point to secure movementcontrolling device 1118 based on the size of the animal, the comfort ofthe user (i.e., based on the user's waist size), or other reasons.

In an implementation, rear right segment 1120 may be any length and thelength may be adjustable. In another implementation, rear right segment1120 may be of some length that may allow rear right segment 1120 todescend from a user's right hip, behind the user along his/her buttocks,until it joins with rear left segment 1124.

Rear left segment 1124 may be of equal or different length than that ofrear right segment 1120. In the depicted implementation, lengths of rearleft segment 1124 and rear right segment 1120 are substantially similar.Rear left segment 1124, via a connecting member 1126, may join toinner-left hip attachment point 1106 of hip belt 1102 at one end. Inanother implementation (not depicted) connecting member 1126 may connectto outer-left hip attachment point 1107 of belt 1102. The user maychoose an appropriate attachment point to secure movement controllingdevice 1118 based on the size of the animal, the comfort of the user(i.e., based on the user's waist size), or other reasons.

Rear left segment 1124, may descend from the left hip of a user, behindthe user along the buttocks, until it joins with rear right segment1120.

Rear center segment 1128 may join to rear right segment 1120 and rearleft segment 1124, via a joining member 1130. Rear center segment 1128may descend in a downward direction (as depicted) and toward an animalalong the backside of a user's legs. Rear center segment 1128 may be ofa certain length. Rear center segment 1128 may include a connectingmember 1132 at one end. Connecting member 1132 may join rear centersegment 1128 to an animal collar 134. Animal collar 134 may includebuckle, prong, choke, etc. to which connecting member 132 attaches.Animal collar 134 may be a neck collar, head collar, body harness, orother collar that may attach to an animal.

Front segment 1136 may be permanently affixed or removably attached torear center segment 1128. In the depicted implementation, front segment1136 and rear center segment 1128 connect together via a connection 1150(e.g., d-ring, o-ring, eye swivel, etc.) which allow segments 1128 and1136 to form one linear line when front connecting member 1138 isdetached from attachment point 1110. Front segment 1136 and rear centersegment 1128 connect movement controlling device 1118 to animal collar134, via connecting member 1132. Front segment 1136 ascends upward (asdepicted) and a connecting member 1138 may connect with midlineattachment point 1110.

In an implementation, connecting members 1122, 1126, 1132, and/or 1138may be a male or female buckle, snap hook, quick link, eye bolt, swivelhook, bolt snap, d-ring, carabiner clip, etc. In an implementation,joining member 1130 may be a d-ring, o-ring, eye swivel, etc. Attachmentpoints 1106, 1107, 1108, 1109, and/or 1110 may be any shape or size. Inan implementation (not depicted), attachment points 1106, 1107, 1108,1109, and/or 1110 may be a male or female buckle that may permanently orremovably attach to connecting members 1122, 1138, and/or 1126. In animplementation, a connecting member may attach as close as possible toan attachment point, reducing slack in a corresponding segment.

Rear right segment 1120, rear left segment 1124, rear center segment1128, and front segment 1136 may vary in length. In an implementation,the lengths of each of rear right segment 1120, rear left segment 1124,rear center segment 1128, and front segment 1136 may allow control orrestriction of an animal connected thereto via animal collar 134 withina heeling zone (as described above with respect to FIG. 5).

In an implementation, rear right segment 1120, rear left segment 1124,rear center segment 1128, and front segment 1136 may be sewn togethercontinuously. In another implementation, rear right segment 1120, rearleft segment 1124, rear center segment 1128, and front segment 1136 maybe joined via connecting members (e.g., d-ring, o-ring, quick link,etc.) of durable material to withstand pulling forces of an animal. Inan implementation, rear right segment 1120, rear left segment 1124, rearcenter segment 1128, and front segment 1136 may be constructed of anymaterial, including leash material (e.g., leather, nylon, cording,reflective material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) webbing, etc.).

In an implementation, rear right segment 1120, rear left segment 1124,rear center segment 1128, and front segment 1136 of movement controllingdevice 1118 may be manufactured using a single piece of material andcontinuously connected (e.g., by being sewn together).

In another implementation, midline attachment point 1110 may bepermanently affixed to belt 1102, similar to hip attachment points 1106,1107, 1108, and 1109.

As described above, animal training system 1500 includes movementcontrolling device 1118 and wearable device 1102. Movement controllingdevice 1118 includes front segment 1136 (a first segment) and rear rightsegment 1120 (a second segment). Front segment 1136 is coupled toconnecting member 1138 (a first connecting member). Rear right segment1120 is coupled to connecting member 1122 (a second connecting member).

Wearable device 1102 includes midline attachment point 1110 (a firstattachment point) and inner-right hip attachment point 1108 (a secondattachment point), as depicted. Midline attachment point 1110 is locatedapproximately at a midline position of wearable device 1102. Frontsegment 1136 is configured to detachably couple to midline attachmentpoint 1110 via connecting member 1138. In an implementation, frontsegment 1136 may couple snuggly (i.e., as close as possible) viaconnecting member 1138 to midline attachment point 1110. Rear rightsegment 1120 is configured to detachably couple to inner-right hipattachment point 1108 via connecting member 1122. Similar to thedepictions in FIGS. 1 and 2, rear right segment 1120 in FIG. 15 may belocated at an opposing hip position of wearable device 1102 in relationto an animal.

In other implementations not depicted, rear right segment 1120 isconfigured to detachably couple to outer-right hip attachment point 1109via connecting member 1122.

In an implementation, movement controlling device 1118 further includesrear left segment 1124 (a third segment) and rear center segment 1128 (afourth segment). Rear left segment 1124, located at the proximal hipposition of the wearable device in relation to an animal, includesconnecting member 1126 (a third connecting member). Rear right segment1120 and rear left segment 1124 are connected to rear center segment1128 via joining member 1130. Animal collar 134 is connectable to animaltraining system 1500.

In the depicted implementation, wearable device 1102 includes rear leftsegment 1124 that is configured to detachably couple to inner-left hipattachment point 1106 (a third attachment point) via connecting member1126.

In other implementations not depicted, rear left segment 1124 isconfigured to detachably couple to outer-left hip attachment point 1107via connecting member 1126.

In an implementation, inner-right hip attachment point 1108 andouter-right hip attachment point 1109 and are located on a right side ofwearable device 102 (which may be worn at a user's hip), and inner-lefthip attachment point 1106 and outer-left hip attachment point 1107 arelocated on a left side of wearable device 1102. Inner-right hipattachment point 1108 and outer-right hip attachment point 1109 and arelocated on opposing sides of inner-left hip attachment point 1106 andouter-left hip attachment point 1107.

In an implementation, one or more of the connecting members 1138, 1132,1122, or 1126 include one or more of the following: a male or femalebuckle, snap hook, quick link, eye bolt, swivel hook, bolt snap, orcarabiner clip.

In an implementation, wearable device 1102 is a hip belt, a waist belt,a vest, a jacket, or other device capable of being worn on a user.

In an implementation, midline attachment point 1110 includes a breakawayattachment point.

Movement controlling device 1118 includes front segment 1136, rear rightsegment 1120, rear left segment 1124, and rear center segment 1128.Front segment 1136 is configured to couple to midline attachment point1110 located at wearable device 1102 via connecting member 1138. Midlineattachment point 1110 is located approximately at a midline position ofwearable device 1102. Rear right segment 1120 is configured to couple toinner-right hip attachment point 1108 and outer-right hip attachmentpoint 1109 located at wearable device 1102 via connecting member 1122.Rear left segment 1124 is configured to couple to inner-left hipattachment point 1106 and outer-left hip attachment point 1107 locatedat wearable device 1102 via connecting member 1126. Rear center segment1128 is configured to couple movement controlling device 1118 to ananimal.

In an implementation, rear center segment 1128 is configured to couplemovement controlling device 1118 to an animal via one or more of a neckcollar, a head collar, a harness, or an attachment point on a devicethat is capable of being worn by the animal.

In an implementation, movement controlling device 1118 may furtherinclude a handle affixed to one of rear right segment 1120, rear leftsegment 1124, rear center segment 1128, or front segment 1136.

One or more of rear right segment 1120, rear left segment 1124, rearcenter segment 1128, or front segment 1136 may include a shockabsorption mechanism.

In some implementations, a shock absorption material or mechanism may beincluded in any part of or the entirety of rear center segment 1128,rear right segment 1120, rear left segment 1124, and/or front segment1136.

FIG. 16 illustrates a portion 1600 of movement controlling device 1118when detached from wearable device 1102 of animal training system 1500(wearable device 1102 and animal training system 1500 are depicted inFIGS. 11, 12, 13, and 15). Rear center segment 1128 and front segment1136 are depicted as extended to a straight leash line when connectingmember 1138 is disengaged from belt 1102.

FIG. 17 illustrates various views of an exemplary connecting member thatis a double d-ring snap hook 1700. Specifically, the top depicts anisometric view of double d-ring snap hook 1700, the bottom left depictsa top view of double d-ring snap hook 1700, and the bottom right depictsa side view of double d-ring snap hook 1700. Double d-ring snap hook1700 includes a main body or hook member 1701, a swivel member 1702, andtwo d-ring members 1703 and 1704, which are each affixed to swivelmember 1702. In an implementation, each d-ring member 1703 and 1704 maybe affixed to swivel member 1702 in a manner which allows them to rotate180° from the top to the bottom. In the depicted implementation, the twod-ring members 1703 and 1706 are not fixed to one another. Any one ormore connecting members described herein and depicted in the figures maybe double d-ring snap hook 1700.

FIG. 18 illustrates a front isometric view of an animal training system1800 with a movement controlling device 1818 having an adjustable lengthsegment 1850. Portions of animal training system 1800 are similar toanimal training system 100, and/or animal training system 1500.Therefore, animal training systems 100, 1500, and 1800 may include somesimilar features which may be interchangeable within any of animaltraining systems 100, 1500, and 1800. Some of the features describedherein below with respect to animal training system 1800 are notdescribed in detail as they are substantially similar to featuresdescribed above with respect to animal training systems 100 and 1500.

Animal training system 1800 includes wearable device 1802, which is ahip belt, and the terms wearable device 1802, belt 1802, and hip belt1802 may be used interchangeably herein. In other implementations, awearable device may be a waist belt, a vest, a jacket, body harness, abelt connected to a calf harness, etc.

In an implementation, belt 1802 may be a wearable device that isconstructed of a durable, all-weather material, leather, PVC, nylon orother materials. Belt 1802 may be worn by a user and encircle the useralong the hipline.

Belt 1802 may include a surface area 1804 which includes multipleattachment points. In the depicted implementation, the following fiveattachment points are shown: a midline attachment point 1810, which islocated at approximately a midline position of belt 1802; an outer-lefthip attachment point 1807, which is located at an outer left side ofbelt 1802; an inner-left hip attachment point 1806, which is located atan inner left side of belt 1802; an outer-right hip attachment point1809, which is located at an outer right side of belt 1802; and aninner-right hip attachment point 1808, which is located at an innerright side of belt 1802. Although five attachments (1806, 1807, 1808,1809, and 1810) are shown, in other implementations, fewer or moreattachment points than depicted may be included.

In an implementation, one or more of the attachment points (1806, 1807,1808, 1809, and 1810) may be permanently fixed or attached (i.e.,sewn/stitched, glued, riveted, etc.) to belt 1802. In anotherimplementation, one or more of the attachment points may be removablyattached to belt 1802. For example, belt 1802 may include loop(s) andthe attachment point(s) may removably attach to the loop(s).

Referring again to midline attachment point 1810, in an implementation,a breakaway connection may be included.

Belt 1802 may include an overlay 1812 which may be constructed of adurable material. Overlay 1812 may be ¾ of an inch in one implementationor a different width in other implementations. Overlay 1812 may bestitched in place and secured via rivets 1813 to allow connectingmembers to securely fasten onto attachment points. In one implementationoverlay 1812 may be one continuous piece of material. In anotherimplementation, overlay 1812 may be constructed of multiple segments. Asdepicted, overlay 1812 may be stitched onto (or otherwise affixed to)surface area 1804 of belt 1802. Similar to the depiction in FIG. 14C, agap 1815 in between stitching may be used as a pocket to house or attachaccessories (e.g., food bags, animal clickers, mobile phone cases, toys,animal treats, etc.). In another implementation, other patterns ofstitching may be used.

Movement controlling device 1818, as depicted, includes three segments:a rear right segment 1820, a rear left segment 1824, and a centersegment 1836.

As depicted, rear right segment 1820 includes a connecting member 1822which may connect to inner-right hip attachment point 1808 of belt 1802.In another implementation (not depicted) connecting member 1822 mayconnect to outer-right hip attachment point 1809 of belt 1802. The usermay choose an appropriate attachment point to secure movementcontrolling device 1818 based on the size of the animal, the comfort ofthe user (i.e., based on the user's waist size), or other reasons.

In an implementation, rear right segment 1820 may be any length and thelength may be adjustable. In another implementation, rear right segment1820 may be of some length that may allow rear right segment 1820 todescend from a user's right hip, behind the user along his/her buttocks,until it joins with rear left segment 1824.

Rear left segment 1824 may be of equal or different length than that ofrear right segment 1120. In the depicted implementation, lengths of rearleft segment 1824 and rear right segment 1820 are substantially similar.Rear left segment 1824, via a connecting member 1826, may join toinner-left hip attachment point 1806 of hip belt 1802 at one end. Inanother implementation (not depicted) connecting member 1826 may connectto outer-left hip attachment point 1807 of belt 1802. The user maychoose an appropriate attachment point to secure movement controllingdevice 1818 based on the size of the animal, the comfort of the user(i.e., based on the user's waist size), or other reasons.

Rear left segment 1824, may descend from the left hip of a user, behindthe user along the buttocks, until it joins with rear right segment1820.

Center segment 1836 may join to rear right segment 1820 and rear leftsegment 1824, via a joining member 1830. Center segment 1836 may descendin a downward direction (as depicted) and toward an animal along thebackside of a user's legs. Center segment 1836 may be of a certainlength. Center segment 1836 may include a connecting member 1832.Connecting member 1832 may join center segment 1836 to an animal collar134. Animal collar 134 may include buckle, prong, choke, etc. to whichconnecting member 1832 attaches. Animal collar 134 may be a neck collar,head collar, body harness, or other collar that may attach to an animal.In an implementation, movement controlling device 1818 further includesa fourth segment 1864.

Center segment 1836 may be a single continuous segment, as depicted, orcenter segment 1836 may include two or more segments which may bepermanently affixed or removably attached to one another. In animplementation where two segments connect to create a center segment(not depicted), a first portion of the center segment and a secondportion of the center segment may connect together via adjustable lengthsegment 1850.

Adjustable length segment 1850 includes a portion 1840 of center segment1836 that loops through connecting member 1832. An inset provides adetailed view of the frontside 1862 and backside 1860 of adjustablelength segment 1850. Adjustable length segment 1850 may be adjusted, viaportion 1840, based on a size and/or height of dog. In anotherimplementation, adjustable length segment 1850 may also be adjustedbased on the size and/or height of the user wearing belt 1802. To makean adjustment, portion 1840 may be tightened or loosened aroundconnecting member 1832.

Center segment 1836 connects movement controlling device 1818 to animalcollar 134, via connecting member 1832. Center segment 1836 ascendsupward (as depicted) and a connecting member 1838 may connect withmidline attachment point 1810.

Rear right segment 1820, rear left segment 1824, and center segment 1836may vary in length. In an implementation, the lengths of each of rearright segment 1820, rear left segment 1824, and center segment 1836 mayallow control or restriction of an animal connected thereto via animalcollar 134 within a heeling zone (as described above with respect toFIG. 5).

As described above, animal training system 1800 includes movementcontrolling device 1818 and wearable device 1802. Movement controllingdevice 1818 includes center segment 1836 (a first segment) and rearright segment 1820 (a second segment). Center segment 1836 is coupled toconnecting member 1838 (a first connecting member). Rear right segment1820 is coupled to connecting member 1822 (a second connecting member).

Wearable device 1802 includes midline attachment point 1810 (a firstattachment point) and inner-right hip attachment point 1808 (a secondattachment point), as depicted. Midline attachment point 1810 is locatedapproximately at a midline position of wearable device 1802. Centersegment 1836 is configured to detachably couple to midline attachmentpoint 1810 via connecting member 1838. In an implementation, centersegment 1836 may couple snuggly (i.e., as close as possible) viaconnecting member 1838 to midline attachment point 1810. Rear rightsegment 1820 is configured to detachably couple to inner-right hipattachment point 1808 via connecting member 1822. Similar to thedepictions in FIGS. 1 and 2, rear right segment 1820 in FIG. 18 may belocated at an opposing hip position of wearable device 1802 in relationto an animal.

In other implementations not depicted, rear right segment 1820 isconfigured to detachably couple to outer-right hip attachment point 1809via connecting member 1822.

In an implementation, movement controlling device 1818 further includesrear left segment 1824 (a third segment). In the depictedimplementation, center segment 1836 is constructed of a continuous pieceof material. In other implementations (not depicted), center segment1836 may be constructed of two or more pieces of material that arejoined together. Rear left segment 1824, located at the proximal hipposition of the wearable device in relation to an animal, includesconnecting member 1826 (a third connecting member). Rear right segment1820 and rear left segment 1824 are connected to center segment 1836 viajoining member 1830. Animal collar 134 is connectable to animal trainingsystem 1800.

In the depicted implementation, wearable device 1802 includes rear leftsegment 1824 that is configured to detachably couple to inner-left hipattachment point 1806 (a third attachment point) via connecting member1826.

In other implementations not depicted, rear left segment 1824 isconfigured to detachably couple to outer-left hip attachment point 1807via connecting member 1826.

In an implementation, inner-right hip attachment point 1808 andouter-right hip attachment point 1809 and are located on a right side ofwearable device 102 (which may be worn at a user's hip), and inner-lefthip attachment point 1806 and outer-left hip attachment point 1807 arelocated on a left side of wearable device 1802. Inner-right hipattachment point 1808 and outer-right hip attachment point 1809 and arelocated on opposing sides of inner-left hip attachment point 1806 andouter-left hip attachment point 1807.

In an implementation, one or more of the connecting members 1838, 1832,1822, or 1826 include one or more of the following: a male or femalebuckle, snap hook, quick link, eye bolt, swivel hook, bolt snap, orcarabiner clip.

In an implementation, wearable device 1802 is a hip belt, a waist belt,a vest, a jacket, or other device capable of being worn on a user.

In an implementation, midline attachment point 1810 includes a breakawayattachment point.

Movement controlling device 1818 includes center segment 1836, rearright segment 1820, and rear left segment 1824. Center segment 1836 isconfigured to couple to midline attachment point 1810 located atwearable device 1802 via connecting member 1838. Midline attachmentpoint 1810 is located approximately at a midline position of wearabledevice 1802. Rear right segment 1820 is configured to couple toinner-right hip attachment point 1808 and outer-right hip attachmentpoint 1809 located at wearable device 1802 via connecting member 1822.Rear left segment 1824 is configured to couple to inner-left hipattachment point 1806 and outer-left hip attachment point 1807 locatedat wearable device 1802 via connecting member 1826. Center segment 1836is configured to couple movement controlling device 1818 to an animal.

In an implementation, center segment 1836 is configured to couplemovement controlling device 1818 to an animal via one or more of a neckcollar, a head collar, a harness, or an attachment point on a devicethat is capable of being worn by the animal.

In an implementation, movement controlling device 1818 may furtherinclude a handle affixed to one of rear right segment 1820, rear leftsegment 1824, or center segment 1836.

One or more of rear right segment 1820, rear left segment 1824, orcenter segment 1836 may include a shock absorption mechanism. In thedepicted implementation, center segment 1836 includes shock absorptionmaterial or mechanism 1842 which may be provided at some point alongcenter segment 1836. In other implementations, a shock absorptionmaterial or mechanism may be included in any part of or the entirety ofrear right segment 1820, rear left segment 1824, and center segment1836.

FIG. 19 illustrates a portion 1900 of movement controlling device 1818,having an adjustable length segment 1850, when detached from animaltraining system 1800. Center segment 1836 is depicted as extended to astraight leash line when connecting member 1838 is disengaged from belt1802.

In some implementations, the animal training system described in theabove may include a lighting system and/or reflective, glow-in-the-dark,and/or other distinctive material(s) which may allow the animal trainingsystem to stand out or be easily viewable. For example, any one or moreparts of the animal training system may include attached (affixed orremovable) lights which may be used to provide lighting which may beuseful when walking an animal in the dark.

Animal training systems 1500 and 1800 in FIGS. 15 and 18, respectively,can be worn by a user and connected to an animal to control the animal'smovement and may contain similar features as animal training system 100in FIG. 1. Furthermore, features depicted in any one of animal trainingsystems 100, 100, 1500 and 1800 may be used in any other of animaltraining systems 100, 1500 and 1800. Although FIGS. 3-6 illustrateanimal training system 100 in use, animal training systems 1500 and 1800may be similarly used as depicted by FIGS. 3-6.

Although the figures and description provide a wearable device that maybe worn at a user's hips, waist, chest, etc., in other implementations,the movement device may be modified or reconfigured based on the heightof the dog in relation to the length of the user's out seam, in order tomaintain the leverage points and heeling zone of the animal trainingsystem. For example, if a user's height and/or an animal's height iscloser to the ground, the position or length of the movement controllingdevice may be adjusted. Alternatively, the segments and attachmentpoints may be re-positioned or may connect to additional body parts(e.g., upper leg, lower leg, etc.).

Although the present animal training system for achieving heelingbehavior includes a hip belt as the wearable device, alternativeimplementations can include a waist belt, vest, jacket, harness or otherwearable apparatus that provides at least one front midline attachmentpoint combined with at least two side hip attachment points.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method 2000 of utilizing an animal trainingsystem to control movement of an animal. In describing the method 2000,reference is made to FIGS. 5 and 15 to illustrate an implementation,however, the animal training system(s) depicted in any of FIGS. 1, 2,and 5, and/or 18 may be used (either alone or in any combination witheach other and/or with FIG. 15) by method 200. It is noted that theexamples provided in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, 15, and/or 18 is meant forillustrative purposes, and is not to be considered a limitingimplementation. In other implementations, any animal training system(s)and/or movement controlling device(s) described in this disclosureand/or figures may instead be used to carry out method 2000.

Referring again to FIG. 20, method 2000 starts at block 2002 where afirst segment of a movement controlling device is secured to a firstattachment point located approximately at a midline position of awearable device. In FIG. 15, front segment 1136 (a first segment) ofmovement controlling device 1118 is secured to midline attachment point1110 (a first attachment point) located midline position of belt at amidline position of wearable device 1102. As described above, wearabledevice 1102 may be a hip belt, a waist belt, a vest, a jacket, a beltconnected to a calf harness, etc.

Referring again to FIG. 20, at block 2004, a second segment of themovement controlling device is secured to a second attachment pointlocated at the wearable device. In FIG. 15, rear right segment 1120 (asecond segment) of movement controlling device 1118 is secured to righthip attachment point 1108 (a second attachment point) located atwearable device 1102.

Referring again to FIG. 20, at block 2006, the wearable device is placedon a user's body. In FIG. 15, wearable device 1102 is placed on user'sbody (e.g. user 304's body, as depicted in FIG. 5).

Referring again to FIG. 20, at block 2008, in response to connecting thefirst segment to a collar worn by an animal, movement of the animal iscontrolled to a heeling zone. In response to connecting the frontsegment 1136 to animal collar 134 worn by an (e.g., animal 306 in FIG.5), movement of the animal is controlled to a heeling zone (e.g.,heeling zone 502 in FIG. 5).

As described above, heeling zone 502 in FIG. 5 is an area where theproximal shoulder of an animal coupled to the movement controllingdevice maintains position within a user's arm's length to the front,side, back and rotational position of the user when wearing the animaltraining system.

Although the animal training system is used for training of a dog, inother implementations, the animal training system may be used to trainother types of animals.

In an implementation, rear left segment 1124 (a third segment) ofmovement controlling device 1118 is secured to left hip attachment point1106 (a third second attachment point) 1106 located at wearable device1102.

Although the animal training system described in the above is used tocontrol movement of one animal, in other implementations, the animaltraining system could control movement of more than one animal tetheredthereto. For example, if a user wishes to walk two dogs, one dog maywalk on one side next to the user's hip while the second dog may walk onthe opposite side next to the user's hip.

For purposes of this disclosure, any element mentioned in the singularalso includes the plural.

Features described in any one of the above figures may apply to otherfigures. Additionally, features described with respect to one componentmay also apply to another component. For example, features describedwith respect to belt 102 in FIG. 1 may also be included in and apply tobelt 1002 in FIG. 10.

Although the belt may be used on an animal (i.e., a dog), in someimplementations, the belt may also be used on a human.

As described above, a midline attachment point is located approximatelyat a midline position of the belt. The midline attachment point may beexactly located at a midline position of the belt or may be locatedapproximately in the vicinity of the midline position of the belt (i.e.,within one or two inches away from the midline position of the belt). Inother implementations, the midline attachment point may be locatedanywhere on the belt.

The improved animal training system described in this disclosure mayprovide the following benefits. Dogs may learn to heel faster by havingmaximum opportunity to maintain proximal position to a user's hip. Theanimal training system may reduce user frustration. The animal trainingsystem may provide a minimal amount of leash in-hand which may improvethe timing of rewards/corrections by a user. The animal training systemmay allow the handler to “brace” a reactive dog's sudden movements(e.g., jolts on the leash in response fear, defensiveness or prey drive)at the hip without concern that the dog can break free from the user'sgrip. The animal training system may prepare a dog for off leashheeling. The animal training system may increase motivation in owners towalk their dog by reducing pulling ahead and crossing in-front byanimal. The animal training system may be completely or partiallyhands-free which allows users to multi-task which walking their animal(e.g., hold hands and/or carry a child, or push a child in a stroller,etc.). An animal in the heeling zone allows walkers and runners to moveat high speed without risking the dog tripping the user, and suchheeling zone may be achieved by the animal training system. The animaltraining system may be completely or partially hands-free which mayallow for a full range of motion by the user during workout, use ofhand-held equipment, use of a mobile phone or other mobile device, etc.The animal training system may allow outside/field work by professionalk9 law enforcement/military users before the dog has achieved off-leashheeling behavior and/or during field work whereby the k9 lawenforcement/military user can restrict the dog to a heeling position, oranother position as required for the service animal, without hand-heldleash contact while maintaining two hands on his/her service weapon orweapon systems. This benefit is currently not available to professionalk9 law enforcement/military users who must maintain one hand on theleash of their service dog and one hand on their service weapon/weaponsystems in instances where leash restraint using traditional leashmethods are required.

The words “example” or “exemplary” are used herein to mean serving as anexample, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design describedherein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed aspreferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use ofthe words “example” or “exemplary” is intended to present concepts in aconcrete fashion. As used in this application, the term “or” is intendedto mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unlessspecified otherwise, or clear from context, “X includes A or B” isintended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, ifX includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then “X includesA or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition,the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appendedclaims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unlessspecified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singularform. Reference throughout this specification to “an implementation” or“one implementation” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the implementation isincluded in at least one implementation. Thus, the appearances of thephrase “an implementation” or “one implementation” in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame implementation.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. Many other implementations will beapparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding theabove description.

What is claimed is:
 1. An animal training system comprising: a movementcontrolling device comprising a first segment and a second segment,wherein the first segment is coupled to a first connecting member, andwherein the second segment is coupled to a second connecting member; anda wearable device comprising a first attachment point and a secondattachment point, the first attachment point located at a midlineposition of the wearable device, wherein the first segment is configuredto detachably couple to the first attachment point via the firstconnecting member, and wherein the second segment is configured todetachably couple to the second attachment point via the secondconnecting member.
 2. The animal training system of claim 1, wherein themovement controlling device further comprises a third segment and afourth segment, wherein the third segment, located at a proximal hipposition of the wearable device in relation to an animal, comprises athird connecting member, wherein the second segment and the thirdsegment are connected to the fourth segment, via a joining member,wherein a collar of the animal is connectable to the animal trainingsystem.
 3. The animal training system of claim 2, wherein the wearabledevice further comprises the third segment that is configured todetachably couple to a third attachment point via the third connectingmember.
 4. The animal training system of claim 3, wherein the secondattachment point is located on a right side of the wearable device andthe third attachment point is located on a left side of the wearabledevice and wherein the second attachment point is located on an opposingside of the third attachment point.
 5. The animal training system ofclaim 2, wherein at least one of the first connecting member, the secondconnecting member, or the third connecting member comprises at least oneof: a male or female buckle, snap hook, quick link, eye bolt, swivelhook, bolt snap, or carabiner clip.
 6. The animal training system ofclaim 1, wherein the wearable device is a hip belt, a waist belt, avest, a jacket, or other device capable of being worn on a user.
 7. Theanimal training system of claim 1, wherein the first attachment pointcomprises a breakaway attachment point.
 8. The animal training system ofclaim 1, wherein the wearable device further comprising a thirdattachment point and a fourth attachment point, wherein the firstsegment is configured to detachably couple to the third attachment pointvia the first connecting member, and wherein the second segment isconfigured to detachably couple to the fourth attachment point via thesecond connecting member.
 9. The animal training system of claim 1,wherein the first segment comprises an adjustment length segment. 10.The animal training system of claim 1, wherein the wearable devicecomprises an overlay secured via at least a first rivet and a secondrivet, wherein a gap between the first rivet and the second rivet isconfigured to house an accessory.
 11. The animal training system ofclaim 1, wherein the wearable device further comprises a secure closureconfigured to secure the wearable device to a user.
 12. The animaltraining system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first connectingmember and the second connecting member comprises a double d-ring snaphook, wherein the double d-ring snap hook comprises a hook member, aswivel member, a first d-ring member, and a second d-ring member,wherein each of the first d-ring member and the second d-ring member isaffixed to the swivel member, and wherein each of the first d-ringmember and the second B-ring member is configured to rotate from a topto a bottom of each respective d-ring member.
 13. A movement controllingdevice comprising a first segment, a second segment, and a thirdsegment, wherein the first segment is configured to couple to a firstattachment point located at a wearable device via a first connectingmember, wherein the first segment is further configured to couple themovement controlling device to an animal, wherein the first attachmentpoint is located at a midline position of the wearable device, whereinthe second segment is configured to couple to a second attachment pointlocated at the wearable device via a second connecting member, andwherein the third segment is configured to couple to a third attachmentpoint located at the wearable device.
 14. The movement controllingdevice of claim 13, wherein the first segment is configured to couplethe movement controlling device to an animal via at least one of a neckcollar, a head collar, a harness, or an attachment point on a devicecapable of being worn by the animal.
 15. The movement controlling deviceof claim 13, further comprising a handle affixed to one of the firstsegment, the second segment, or the third segment.
 16. The movementcontrolling device of claim 13, wherein at least one of the firstsegment, the second segment, and the third segment comprises a shockabsorption mechanism.
 17. The movement controlling device of claim 13,wherein the movement controlling device is configured to: convert from asingle plane, linear device to a multi-plane, non-linear device, andconvert from the multi-plane, non-linear device to the single plane,linear device.
 18. An animal training system comprising: a movementcontrolling device comprising an adjustable length first segment and asecond segment, wherein the adjustable length first segment isconfigured to couple to a first connecting member, and wherein thesecond segment is configured to couple to a second connecting member;and a wearable device comprising a first attachment point and a secondattachment point, wherein the adjustable length first segment isconfigured to detachably couple to the first attachment point via thefirst connecting member, and wherein the second segment is configured todetachably couple to the second attachment point via the secondconnecting member.
 19. The animal training system of claim 18, furthercomprising a third segment, wherein the adjustable length first segmentis further configured to couple the movement controlling device to ananimal, wherein the first attachment point is located at a midlineposition of the wearable device, and wherein the third segment isconfigured to couple to a third attachment point located at the wearabledevice.
 20. The animal training system of claim 18, wherein at least oneof the first connecting member and the second connecting membercomprises a double d-ring snap hook, wherein the double d-ring snap hookcomprises a hook member, a swivel member, a first d-ring member, and asecond d-ring member, wherein each of the first d-ring member and thesecond d-ring member is affixed to the swivel member, and wherein eachof the first d-ring member and the second B-ring member is configured torotate from a top to a bottom of each respective d-ring member.